What is truth? From varying philosophies, to different religions, to the multitude of media outlets, to Wikipedia seems like truth is sometimes a hard thing to get our hands on. The internet has exploded the forums for scams and fraud. Even our former Presidents have redefined "is" and "crook."
Who do you believe and how do you know what's right? Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth and the life. He said He was the only way to God, the Father. Some have doubted His claim and sought to discredit or discount Him. Others have flat out denied Him. Still others have bent His truths to their own liking.
But as a friend of mine once said, "Truth is truth no matter if anyone believes it." For years courts would have one put their hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth. Why? Because God's Word is the standard of truth. God's truth, found in His Word, was given to us for our benefit. Living by the truths of God's Word plays out to our advantage. God is interested in our health and wellbeing. When we fail to live by or adhere to the standards of God's teaching, we have to face the consequences.
Living by the truth of God's Word is not about following a list of rules and regulations. It's learning how to build and grow in my relationships with my spouse, my kids, my parents, my friends, my coworkers, my bosses. It's learning how to keep from screwing up my life or how to restore it once I've had the train wreck. It's about learning how to handle my finances, about finding my purpose, about planning for my future.
God, I want to be found faithful to your truth. Help me live day by day in your truth, Your Word. Thanks for shining your light on my path to show me the way and keep me from stumbling.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Daily Reflections on Phil. 2:12-13
Why is it always easier to behave like a follower of Christ when I'm in a gathering of other committed followers of Christ? It seems when I'm away from the group, the old me begins to emerge. When I'm studying, sharing, praising God with other believers I find myself drawing closer to God. When I'm just doing my normal routine, I sense God's presence a lot less. Okay, I often don't even think about or acknowledge God or my relationship with Him.
To be honest, that's probably true for most of us and is typical of most relationships. I love my wife and am committed to her. But when I'm involved in my daily routine or business, I'm not overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions of affection. When I'm with her, I seek to enjoy and celebrate our relationship. However, if I don't take time and invest in our relationship, in her personally, then my relationship decays.
In these verses, a lot of followers of Jesus struggle with the idea of "working out salvation." Many act as if they have to "work for their salvation" instead of working out what God worked in. Working out our salvation is like rubbing in the salve that God has applied to our wound. Just like any relationship or friendship, when I'm with that person, I have a greater cause to work on developing our relationship/friendship. I consciously work at not offending but pleasing my friend. When we're not together, I'm not as cognizant of my words or actions.
Recognizing I'm always in God's presence and allowing Him to work in me is the key to growing in Christ. If I'm to carry out God's will for my life, I have to allow God's Spirit to work in me. God, I want to be open to Your Spirit's leading, prompting, correction and guidance. Help me be aware of your continual presence.
To be honest, that's probably true for most of us and is typical of most relationships. I love my wife and am committed to her. But when I'm involved in my daily routine or business, I'm not overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions of affection. When I'm with her, I seek to enjoy and celebrate our relationship. However, if I don't take time and invest in our relationship, in her personally, then my relationship decays.
In these verses, a lot of followers of Jesus struggle with the idea of "working out salvation." Many act as if they have to "work for their salvation" instead of working out what God worked in. Working out our salvation is like rubbing in the salve that God has applied to our wound. Just like any relationship or friendship, when I'm with that person, I have a greater cause to work on developing our relationship/friendship. I consciously work at not offending but pleasing my friend. When we're not together, I'm not as cognizant of my words or actions.
Recognizing I'm always in God's presence and allowing Him to work in me is the key to growing in Christ. If I'm to carry out God's will for my life, I have to allow God's Spirit to work in me. God, I want to be open to Your Spirit's leading, prompting, correction and guidance. Help me be aware of your continual presence.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Daily Reflections on Lev. 25:8-38
How would the Year of Jubilee work today? To be honest I think Americans would rack up as much debt possible in the couple years leading up to Jubilee knowing that their debts would be forgiven. I'm sure there'd be plenty of scheming trying to beat the system. I'm also guessing the rise of identity theft would go through the roof in the 48th and 49th years.
Why did God institute the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee in the Old Testament. Probably for several reasons: To replenish the nutrients in the soil; balance the economy; teach personal stewardship or financial planning; accountability; give second chances; etc. But I think the biggest reason was to allow God's people to keep focused on the big picture, dependence on Him and His provision. It calls His children to realize the temporal nature of the things of this world and the eternal nature of the spiritual world. It causes His people to focus on that which really matters, a relationship with Him and the people around us.
Throughout this passage there is a constant underlying beat of being fair and caring for the less fortunate among us. Many people are poor financial managers. Others face devastating crises. Some have struggled with crippling health issues or aging or mental illness or unfortunate circumstances that has created an insurmountable need.
Okay, maybe the Sabbatical Years and the Year of Jubilee were a part of God's welfare system. But I think it's more than that. I think God is calling all His people to be aware of the people around us, sensitive to their needs. He wants us to realize our possessions aren't really ours anyway. That we are vessels, instruments, stewards of His resources. I can't help but wonder why I a tendency to hold onto stuff or try to possess stuff. Things of lasting value are the acts of charity, giving, assisting others. All I know is that focusing on accumulating stuff dampens my relationship with God. When I give, serve, share, open my home, etc., I'm somehow drawn closer to God's heart. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' thru. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue..." God, when you return I want to hear you say, "Well done!" I just want to be your vessel, your instrument, the conduit for people to experience your love and grace.
Why did God institute the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee in the Old Testament. Probably for several reasons: To replenish the nutrients in the soil; balance the economy; teach personal stewardship or financial planning; accountability; give second chances; etc. But I think the biggest reason was to allow God's people to keep focused on the big picture, dependence on Him and His provision. It calls His children to realize the temporal nature of the things of this world and the eternal nature of the spiritual world. It causes His people to focus on that which really matters, a relationship with Him and the people around us.
Throughout this passage there is a constant underlying beat of being fair and caring for the less fortunate among us. Many people are poor financial managers. Others face devastating crises. Some have struggled with crippling health issues or aging or mental illness or unfortunate circumstances that has created an insurmountable need.
Okay, maybe the Sabbatical Years and the Year of Jubilee were a part of God's welfare system. But I think it's more than that. I think God is calling all His people to be aware of the people around us, sensitive to their needs. He wants us to realize our possessions aren't really ours anyway. That we are vessels, instruments, stewards of His resources. I can't help but wonder why I a tendency to hold onto stuff or try to possess stuff. Things of lasting value are the acts of charity, giving, assisting others. All I know is that focusing on accumulating stuff dampens my relationship with God. When I give, serve, share, open my home, etc., I'm somehow drawn closer to God's heart. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' thru. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue..." God, when you return I want to hear you say, "Well done!" I just want to be your vessel, your instrument, the conduit for people to experience your love and grace.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Daily Reflections on Rom. 15:1-5
Maturity is about giving up for the sake of others. Babies cry and scream until we figure out what it is they need and statisfy that need. That need could be hunger, fear, a diaper change, to be burped or just simply to be held. As parents, we give up our sleep, freedom, time, Grey's, 24, whatever to care for our child in need. That sacrifice is made in changing ways as our child grows to adulthood and beyond. We give whether or not they appreciate us or understand us or the decisions we make in their behalf.
As I reflect on The Church today, I think we would do well to heed the words of Paul here in Rom. 15:1-4. The "Me First" society we live in is very much a part of the American Church. Our programming has catered to the "Me First" mentality. Our organizational and leadership structures have fallen into the "Me First" trap. Our attitudes as church members (or consumers) have been captured by the "Me First" syndrome.
Okay, I expect the world to behave that way and I have grown up in the "Me" Generation. But aren't we, The Church, Followers or Ambassadors of Christ supposed to act and think differently than the world? Aren't we supposed to model Jesus and grow to be like Him? As a Follower of Christ, a Christian, haven't I signed on for humble servanthood? Didn't I give up my rights when I gave my life to Christ? If that's all true, why is there such a selfish cry for "my way" in churches? Music, worship styles, dress codes, power struggles, what's that all about?
Paul says we who are strong/mature ought to bear with the failings of the weak. Each of us should seek to build up his/her neighbors, personally and spiritually. We should model what we've learned about spiritual maturity to others. God, I don't want to be known for my "Me First" temper tantrums. I want to grow to be more like you, to demonstrate spiritual maturity not piety. God give me the wisdom and strength to build up the weak and my neighbors.
As I reflect on The Church today, I think we would do well to heed the words of Paul here in Rom. 15:1-4. The "Me First" society we live in is very much a part of the American Church. Our programming has catered to the "Me First" mentality. Our organizational and leadership structures have fallen into the "Me First" trap. Our attitudes as church members (or consumers) have been captured by the "Me First" syndrome.
Okay, I expect the world to behave that way and I have grown up in the "Me" Generation. But aren't we, The Church, Followers or Ambassadors of Christ supposed to act and think differently than the world? Aren't we supposed to model Jesus and grow to be like Him? As a Follower of Christ, a Christian, haven't I signed on for humble servanthood? Didn't I give up my rights when I gave my life to Christ? If that's all true, why is there such a selfish cry for "my way" in churches? Music, worship styles, dress codes, power struggles, what's that all about?
Paul says we who are strong/mature ought to bear with the failings of the weak. Each of us should seek to build up his/her neighbors, personally and spiritually. We should model what we've learned about spiritual maturity to others. God, I don't want to be known for my "Me First" temper tantrums. I want to grow to be more like you, to demonstrate spiritual maturity not piety. God give me the wisdom and strength to build up the weak and my neighbors.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Daily Reflections on Prov. 27:6-10
There is no question that God made us for relationships. No man or woman is an island. God is relational and since we're made in His image He created us as relational beings. In other words, we need people in our life. It's true that because each of are individually crafted, the amount of friends we need around us differs for all of us. However, all of us need some people in our life.
I've often heard that friends can be fickle or are fickle. That's probably true to some extent, since none of us are perfect. Let's be honest, we all have our moments or days or weeks or...I'll just stop there. But all said and done, it's because we're all fickle and inconsistent at times that we need friends.
The recent boom of sites like MySpace and FaceBook and Xanga are a demonstration of our need and desire to be connected to others. Not only do we want connection with others, we want deeper intimacy with others. We want to love and be loved. We want to share with someone our thoughts, hurts, joys, and challenges. And of course we want others to trust us enough to open themselves up to us.
We do draw a sense of worth and value from our interaction with others. That's why we need friends. Friends help us sort things out in life. They keep us on track. They help us with perspective. The keep us motivated and encouraged and supported. Friends laugh with us, cry with us and add value to us.
In our high speed, fast paced, high tech society, there is a desperate need to genuinely connect with others. With hectic schedules and tons of pressure, seems like we invest very little time in relationships. God help me focus on the people in my life. Teach me, show me how to be a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
I've often heard that friends can be fickle or are fickle. That's probably true to some extent, since none of us are perfect. Let's be honest, we all have our moments or days or weeks or...I'll just stop there. But all said and done, it's because we're all fickle and inconsistent at times that we need friends.
The recent boom of sites like MySpace and FaceBook and Xanga are a demonstration of our need and desire to be connected to others. Not only do we want connection with others, we want deeper intimacy with others. We want to love and be loved. We want to share with someone our thoughts, hurts, joys, and challenges. And of course we want others to trust us enough to open themselves up to us.
We do draw a sense of worth and value from our interaction with others. That's why we need friends. Friends help us sort things out in life. They keep us on track. They help us with perspective. The keep us motivated and encouraged and supported. Friends laugh with us, cry with us and add value to us.
In our high speed, fast paced, high tech society, there is a desperate need to genuinely connect with others. With hectic schedules and tons of pressure, seems like we invest very little time in relationships. God help me focus on the people in my life. Teach me, show me how to be a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Daily Reflections on Jn. 15:18-21; Rev. 2:8-11
Why is there such a dichotomy between the world which God created and the followers of Jesus whom God recreated in Christ? It seems that both were created in His image; both were created for an intimate relationship with Him; both long for redemption (according to Rom. 8). So why the enmity between the two worlds?
Ultimately the answer lies in the fact the world, mankind, that God created rejected Him to become their own God. That's the temptation Satan placed before Eve, "Eat of this fruit. Your eyes will be opened and you shall be as God." Since that time all of mankind has made the same choice. With that rejection comes separation, which leads to the enmity. The world now has a new ruler, Satan.
Followers of Jesus are called out of the world, to live by a different standard, a higher standard, a selfless standard. The Bible term is "holiness," which simply means, "set apart for God's purpose." Living to that end and purpose sometimes requires separating ourselves from the norm, taking a stand, refusing to participate in unethical business practices or to go along with the crowd/peers. Such actions often bring conflict, confrontation and conviction.
The hedonistic, self-pleasing, self-serving attitude of the world is in direct opposition to the self-sacrificing, giving, serving attitude to which God calls His followers. The world persecutes the standard of God to protect its own self interest.
The more I grow in Christ, the more I find myself in opposition to the world's pursuit. The more I'm open to the world's persuasion, the more self-serving I become. Nobody wants to be rejected. Nobody wants to be persecuted. Everyone wants to be accepted and loved and valued. So my dilemma is to cave to the world or live fully to Christ. God promises me acceptance, love, purpose, meaning, eternal life, a crown of life if I remain faithful to Him. Surely with God's help I can withstand the blows of persecution. I'm reminded that Jesus said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." God, I'm hanging onto that promise. Help me withstand the fiery darts of Satan, to live fully unto you. Help me to be the light in the darkness that shines with your love and good news.
Ultimately the answer lies in the fact the world, mankind, that God created rejected Him to become their own God. That's the temptation Satan placed before Eve, "Eat of this fruit. Your eyes will be opened and you shall be as God." Since that time all of mankind has made the same choice. With that rejection comes separation, which leads to the enmity. The world now has a new ruler, Satan.
Followers of Jesus are called out of the world, to live by a different standard, a higher standard, a selfless standard. The Bible term is "holiness," which simply means, "set apart for God's purpose." Living to that end and purpose sometimes requires separating ourselves from the norm, taking a stand, refusing to participate in unethical business practices or to go along with the crowd/peers. Such actions often bring conflict, confrontation and conviction.
The hedonistic, self-pleasing, self-serving attitude of the world is in direct opposition to the self-sacrificing, giving, serving attitude to which God calls His followers. The world persecutes the standard of God to protect its own self interest.
The more I grow in Christ, the more I find myself in opposition to the world's pursuit. The more I'm open to the world's persuasion, the more self-serving I become. Nobody wants to be rejected. Nobody wants to be persecuted. Everyone wants to be accepted and loved and valued. So my dilemma is to cave to the world or live fully to Christ. God promises me acceptance, love, purpose, meaning, eternal life, a crown of life if I remain faithful to Him. Surely with God's help I can withstand the blows of persecution. I'm reminded that Jesus said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." God, I'm hanging onto that promise. Help me withstand the fiery darts of Satan, to live fully unto you. Help me to be the light in the darkness that shines with your love and good news.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Daily Reflections on Phil. 2:5-11
Jesus said whoever wants to be great among you must become the least, whoever wants to be first must be the last, whoever wants to become great must become the servant of all. He didn't just say those words, He modeled them. The description of Jesus in Phil. 2:5-11 are my favorite of Christ's nature and heart. The image painted of Jesus as God emptying Himself, voiding His rights as God is unfathomable.
As I read these words, I'm drawn to Jesus. There is just something magnetic about Him. It's almost a picture of the hero who throws himself in the fray of battle. There's a big explosion. The enemy is defeated yet it appears our hero has given his life for the victory. Then suddenly, out of the ashes of ruin and destruction rises our hero. Everyone rushes to him as he stands victoriously over the rubble.
That inspires me. Forget Spiderman, I want to be like Jesus. Yet to be like Jesus means total humility. It means voiding myself of my wants, ways, agendas, and selfish spirit. Can I really do that? I confess, I'm a stubborn, selfish pig sometimes. I want what I want when I want it. I can be dogmatic, demanding, demeaning, manipulative, moody, etc. How do I empty myself like Jesus?
The answer: Practice being a servant. Become vulnerable. Wash some feet. Offer your time to help someone else. Turn over the remote. Let someone go ahead of you in line. Watch your neighbors kids so they can go to the store or on a date. Get a cup of coffee for your coworker. Find ways to express genuine concern for people around you.
Learning humility becomes a lifestyle. It is antithetical to our culture which says, "To become great climb over everyone you can, dominate, out maneuver, promote yourself." But Jesus said and modeled that you have to descend into greatness. Lord, thank you for promising to lift us up, to exalt us like you did Jesus when we humble ourselves in your eyes.
As I read these words, I'm drawn to Jesus. There is just something magnetic about Him. It's almost a picture of the hero who throws himself in the fray of battle. There's a big explosion. The enemy is defeated yet it appears our hero has given his life for the victory. Then suddenly, out of the ashes of ruin and destruction rises our hero. Everyone rushes to him as he stands victoriously over the rubble.
That inspires me. Forget Spiderman, I want to be like Jesus. Yet to be like Jesus means total humility. It means voiding myself of my wants, ways, agendas, and selfish spirit. Can I really do that? I confess, I'm a stubborn, selfish pig sometimes. I want what I want when I want it. I can be dogmatic, demanding, demeaning, manipulative, moody, etc. How do I empty myself like Jesus?
The answer: Practice being a servant. Become vulnerable. Wash some feet. Offer your time to help someone else. Turn over the remote. Let someone go ahead of you in line. Watch your neighbors kids so they can go to the store or on a date. Get a cup of coffee for your coworker. Find ways to express genuine concern for people around you.
Learning humility becomes a lifestyle. It is antithetical to our culture which says, "To become great climb over everyone you can, dominate, out maneuver, promote yourself." But Jesus said and modeled that you have to descend into greatness. Lord, thank you for promising to lift us up, to exalt us like you did Jesus when we humble ourselves in your eyes.
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